Volume #8 / Issue #16
October 2026
Empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community.
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FR. McGIVNEY GUILD
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OCTOBER 2026
WHAT CAN YOU DO? The Cause for Canonization of Blessed devoted to Father McGivney Father Michael J. McGivney is at a can and should pray for his favorable stage at the Vatican and you intercession and canonization. can help him on his way to sainthood. Since he was declared a Venerable Remember that prayers to and Servant of God in March 2008, and a for Father McGivney are miracle through his intercession has really prayers asking God to opened the way to beatification, we are act through and on behalf of near the final phase of the process. the Blessed Servant of God. One more miracle is needed for him to be eligible for sainthood. REPORT. After asking Father McGivney to intercede The long and complex process is for a particular intention, it is e x p l a i ne d in mo re d e t a i l o n important to report any favors received another page. But your part is simple – to let the Guild know if the prayer Most importantly, the cause of Father and direct, and can be summed up in has be e n answ e re d. Yo u are McGivney is not simply about him three words: PRAY. REPORT. JOIN. encouraged to report any and every being declared a saint. It is an favor, big or small, so we can opportunity for each one of us to seek PRAY. Your prayers can take two appreciate better the spiritual activity his intercession and draw closer to forms: to and for. Pray to Father of the Blessed Servant of God. Medical God. McGivney that he may intercede for and physical healings are especially you and others in times of need, important to report since they are As the Second Vatican Council made especially in cases of serious illness. most likely to be judged miraculous clear with its universal call to holiness, Pray for Father McGivney’s cause, under strict Vatican guidelines. we are all called to be saints. Father that it may continue to move forward McGivney’s cause, in particular, is a with favorable reports. JOIN. Step 3 is to join the Father summons to laypeople to embrace the McGivney Guild. Membership is free mystery of Christ in its fullness so You may join members of the Guild and you receive many benefits, each of us will see that we are called to throughout the world in reciting the including a quarterly newsletter with heroic virtue. Through the prayers and official Prayer for Canonization, or you spiritual insights and updates on the example of Father McGivney, we can can pray in your own words. cause, and a weekly Mass offered for come closer to loving God with our the intentions of all Guild members. whole heart and our neighbor as Knights of Columbus councils and Take a moment now to access ourselves. families especially should engage in the online enrollment form at these prayers, but anyone who is www.fathermcgivneyguild.org. PRAYER FOR THE CANONIZATION OF BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen
You can play a key role in advancing Father McGivney’s cause by joining the Guild for free and praying for his intercession and canonization. May Father McGivney intercede for you! The Father Michael J. McGivney Guild serves as a source for information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild publishes a quarterly newsletter and offers a weekly Mass for the intentions of members. Click HERE to Join!
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OHIO STATE COUNCIL
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OCTOBER 2026
STATE OFFICER REPORT My brother Knights, I would like to apologize for the tardiness of this newsletter. Between starting a new job and planning a visit to my parents in the Pacific Northwest, time seemed to get away from me. Needless to say, I am sitting here at the desk in the house we rented continuing to work on KofC stuff no matter where we are.
accompanying the elderly and the sick. both General Agents and they assure me that Field Agents are turning in Through our devotion to the Holy the report to the Grand Knights. Rosary, may we become more faithful Grand Knights need to submit that to disciples, stronger brothers, and more Supreme to receive credit. Your compassionate servants—carrying council needs this to be able to achieve Christ’s love into our homes and Star Council Award. communities. Administrative—We are doing great as The first quarter is done and in the a diocese in submitting reports to books. The Cleveland Diocese Supreme. It appears most of the continues to put their faith into action, active councils have done their part. recruit, and work to bring a better There are just a few that need to do tomorrow for so many throughout the that. Please check with your DD to diocese. Let us take a look at where make sure that gets completed. 45 of October is a special invitation to we are as a team as of October 3rd. 66 councils are OYP compliant. You deepen our dedication to the Holy cannot have any youth activities Rosary. This devotion draws us closer Council Health—There are no councils without viewing the Safe Environment to Jesus through the loving guidance in the GREEN but that is to be Training. Make sure the 365 is of His Blessed Mother. As we meditate expected since we are only 25% of the submitted so Supreme can contact on the joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and way complete. There are 62 of the 66 those that need to take the training glorious mysteries, we reflect on active councils in the YELLOW and and background checks. Finally, 24 of Christ’s life, sacrifice, and trending favorably. the 66 councils have an EFF Director. resurrection—and on how we are This is a new requirement from called to follow Him in our own lives. Growth—You can see Teran’s report Supreme for the Columbian Award. later, but we have 78 new brother Please appoint an EFF Director, Our dedication to the Rosary is more Knights which puts us at 21.79% of submit the paperwork, and have your than a commitment to reciting our state goal. That puts us in first director complete quarterly updates. prayers. It is a commitment to make place just ahead of Youngstown who Contact Ty for more info and help. room for God, to trust Him in difficult are at 17.55%. Please continue to moments, and to follow Mary’s recruit and schedule those CUFs. A quarter the way through the race example of faithful obedience. Whether and we are just about where we need prayed alone, with our families, or Programs—64 of the 66 councils have to be across the board. You should together as brother Knights, the points on the state general program. have already planned your activities, Rosary strengthens our faith and That is great. But that reflects the recruitment, and training (if any) for unites us in prayer. This October, may Admin scores of safe environment, the next quarter. If not, then start we renew the habit of praying it forms, and programs. The sad point is now. regularly, bringing before Our Blessed that only 41 of the 66 councils have Mother the needs of our parishes, our reported actual council activities to the I would like to thank all the Knights communities, and the whole Diocese of state program. Please take the time to that attended the March for Life in Cleveland. report your programs and activities on Columbus last Friday. I love the the state website. You never know march, the dedication to life that we October is also Respect Life Month. As when your program can be a best in all share. Please take a moment this we pray the Rosary, we ask Mary to state and open the eyes of another month to pray for those who are help us recognize and defend the council to have continue putting their dealing with life issues in our families. dignity of every human life, from faith into action. conception to natural death. May our Kathy and I will be back in Brunswick prayers inspire concrete acts of Fraternal Benefits—There are on October 8th and hope to see you at charity: supporting mothers and currently two (2) members reported to the Chapter Potluck on Friday. families, protecting the unborn, caring Supreme that have met with the Field for those who are vulnerable, and Agent. I have communicated with Vivat Jesus!
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GROWING IN OUR FAITH
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OCTOBER 2026
EVANGELIZATION & FAITH FORMATION Monthly Messages from Our Worthy State Chaplain Father John Paul Walker, O.P. provides insight monthly to all brothers across the State of Ohio. These messages provide details about our Catholic faith and how we has Knights can continue His mission through the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney. Visit our YouTube page via the state website. HOW TO STRUCTURE A COR MEETING Hello, Brother Knights of the Cleveland Diocese! I’m Ty Tyjewski, your Cleveland Diocesan Evangelization Director. I hope you’re well and that back-to-school season went smoothly. I’m also grateful for the usual August heat and humidity stayed away. This month, we’ll continue exploring how Knights of Columbus council can structure a COR meeting.
Please ensure your Council’s E.F.F. Director is registered with Supreme by completing the Council E.F.F. Form at https://www.kofc.org/ resources/faith-formation/ mens-faith-formation/cor/effonboarding/. If your Council is changing E.F.F. Directors or needs help with registration, training, or any COR matter, contact me at kofcclevelandeff@gmail.com or (440) 867-4503.
Present or read the meeting content. As the COR Startup Guide recommends, faith-focused content should last no more than 20–25 minutes, leaving ample time for table or group discussion. Whether digital or printed, follow-up questions should encourage personal and group reflection.
Next, have each table or group reflect on the content and answer the discussion questions. NOTE: If Now, let’s explore how to possible, recruit a structure a COR meeting. Steering Committee member with each group First, as always, a few A COR meeting is guided by to keep discussion housekeeping items: three principles: Fraternity, focused. This is the Formation, and Prayer. Here essential FORMATION The Cleveland Diocese now is one possible structure: principle, encouraging has 35 registered Council reflection during the E.F.F. Directors—a huge Begin with meeting and afterward at increase. THANK YOU to FRATERNITY—usually home. every Council that food and fellowship. Offer registered its director! I simple refreshments while Finally, announce the next recently reminded District the Council E.F.F. Director, COR meeting’s date and Deputies and Council E.F.F. Steering Committee, and location, close with Directors to submit the COR clergy greet attendees. PRAYER led by clergy or Quarterly Report Form, the Council E.F.F. Director, which keeps the Supreme After a brief time of and ask attendees to help Council informed about FRATERNITY, clergy or clean up. councils hosting COR the Council E.F.F. Director meetings and meeting welcomes everyone. That’s all for this month, requirements. Submit it Distribute the agenda and Brothers. I’m always here: https:// any discussion questions, available to help with COR survey.alchemer.com/ then have clergy or an or answer questions. Please s3/7915911/Cor-Quarterlyappointed Brother Knight contact me anytime. Until Survey-FY-24-25. open with PRAYER. next month, God bless and Vivat Jesus!
The month of October is dedicated to The Holy Rosry.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of October 2026 For mental health ministry: Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses
Thou, O daughter, art blessed of the Lord, for through thee have we been made partakers of the fruit of life
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GROWTH
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AUGUST 2026
GROWTH REPORT Worthy District Deputy, Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, Council Membership Director and Fraternal Leader,
Guide, a step-by-step process on how to successfully implement a membership drive using the membership enrollment card, new resources and new approach.
The full kit includes: Earlier this summer, Supreme introduced an • Membership updated church drive kit, Enrollment Card referred to as “The (250) (item 11881) Culture of Invitation – • 24 Hours Can Church Drive kit”. Change Your Life Councils may order it for (250) (item10099) free from Supreme via • Fraternal Benefits Supplies Online, and Card (250) (item there is no cost for 11730) shipping and handling. • Sacred Heart Icon This updated church Prayer Card 11520 drive kit encapsulates (1,000) the principles of the • Membership previous "Brand Outreach Guide (item Chambers Process" which 12012) was discussed and piloted last year. Supreme saw a Within each kit will also 30% increase in be a “What’s inside membership using this Postcard” breaking down updated church drive. I what’s included in the encourage all Councils to kit, additional resources order this updated and tips as well as a QR church drive kit while it code linked to the new is free of cost to the video How to Run a Council. Successful Church Drive, where Brandon This kit was designed Chambers sits down and around the new Church explains the Chambers Drive approach, and the approach method and its membership enrollment success (please note, this cards piloted last year. It video is currently only will equip your councils available in English). with two proven resources: a personalized https://www.kofc.org/ pulpit announcement and resources/officermembership enrollment resources/engagement/ cards to make every membership-growth/ invitation more #tabset=tabset-sticky-tab intentional and personal. -inviting-men-toThe kit also includes the join&tab=tab-blockMembership Outreach 27596
Supreme has requested the State to have their Councils report their membership drives and whether they are using or not using the COI resources. The purpose is to determine how effective the COI process is. Please use the following URL to enter you Council Membership drives through the end of the Second Quarter (December 31st) https://fs22.formsite.com/ stambrose/z9nmouh0qo/ index If you have any questions about eMembership, Prospect Tab, Church Drives or anything dealing with Member Management, please feel free in reaching out to me. Fraternally yours, Teran Taggart Diocesan Growth Coordinator, DD#23 440-665-4078
GROWTH FOR 2026-2027 As of October 3, 2026 Ohio July 1: 56,531 Ohio Growth: 393 (18.71%) % Growth: 0.69% Cleveland July 1: 7,475 Cleveland Growth: 78 (21.79%) % Growth: 1.04% % Growth is a measure of the YTD gain compared against the July 1st membership number.
TOP-5 % GROWTH YTD Gain against the July 1 Membership Excluding New Councils
1. 11464 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (17.24%) 2. 547 Akron (5.88%) 3. 18565 St. Elizabeth of Hungary (3.92%) 4. 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony (3.66%) 5. 14406 Our Lady of Charity (3.53% TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS Excluding New Councils
1. 774 Elyria, 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony (6) 2. 11464 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (5) 3. 14551 St. Hilary, 10936 Fr. Maruskin (4) 4. 5559 Fr. Bedel, 14406 Our Lady of Charity, 947 Painesville, 4847 Brunswick, 547 Akron, 3269 Fr. Ragan (3) TOP-5 DISTRICTS 1. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (11) 2. DD #30 William Christner (10) 3. DD #24 Dave Heilman, DD #26 Ron Snyder (9) 4. DD #19 Tom Goodhart, DD #21 John Brown (7)
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LEADERSHIP
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OCTOBER 2026
DISTRICT DEPUTIES This October, the Cleveland Diocese leads the state in growth.
Deputy 20 and Cleveland Diocese Training Director DeWitt Gober at DD20Gober@gmail.com. He offers individual and group training.
Of 66 active councils, 33 are recruiting. District 20 (DeWitt Gober) leads with 11 new members, followed by District 30 (William Christner) with 10; four of District 30’s five councils are recruiting. Post council and district CUFs under Exemplifications and Events on the state website so neighboring councils can join.
COR is required for Star Council this year. Ensure every council has registered an EFF Director using the link on the state website’s opening page. For details, contact Diocesan
Thirty-seven active councils have reported nonadministrative activities on the state website. Districts 24 (Dave Heilman), 25 (Micheal Rauh), and 26 (Ron Snyder) lead, with at least 75% of their councils reporting programs. At your next visit or officers’ meeting, show the person entering programs how to report by phone. Founders Award progress still lags, and requirements have changed. A specified number of affiliate members must meet with the council’s Knights of Columbus agent. Ensure each council knows its assigned agent; otherwise, have the Grand Knight or Financial COR Director Ty Tyjewski at Secretary contact Jason Staas or John kofceffcleve@gmail.com. Spencer. Important dates: These statistics are on the weekly scorecard and may be shared with • Matching Funds: September 1– councils. Keep up the good work. November 15, 2026. See the state website for submission details. For help with the new Supreme • Measure Up: April–November website or forms, contact District
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2026, with no restrictions on drive weekends or liability insurance coverage. See the state website for submission details. Football Czar ticket sales: Through November 8, 2026. Sales reduce your council’s state per capita; details are on the state website. Sacred Heart Icon: Traveling through the Cleveland Diocese through December 2026. Available dates remain; contact Jim Maslach to schedule a visit. • October 9, 2025: Greater Cleveland Chapter Columbus Day Potluck at 6:00 p.m., Garfield Hall, 10806 Granger Road, Garfield Heights, Ohio. Join the fellowship and learn about our order’s namesake. • October 10, 2026: Vocational literature distribution, 9:30 a.m.– noon, Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. DDs and DWs should continue scheduling live CUFs and posting them on the state website. The state website answers most questions and works on phones and computers. Ensure councils use it.
Thank you for a great year. Vivat Jesus, Tom Donovan, PGK,PFN, FDD Cleveland Diocese DDC Td3430@att.net
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FRATERNAL BENEFITS
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OCTOBER 2026
FRATERNAL BENEFITS Brothers, Nearly half (47%) of adults say they would have trouble paying living expenses within six months of their primary wage earner’s death.1 While no one wants to think about tragedy striking their family, planning ahead about how your family might manage financially can be an important part in caring for those you love. Your decisions today have a direct impact on your family’s financial future. By working with me to consider your life insurance and income replacement needs, you can prepare for the unexpected while also carrying forward a legacy that has been at the heart of the Knights of Columbus since our founding. When Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882, he was witnessing firsthand the precarious situation widows and orphans faced when a father died. He sought to create a way to relieve their burdens and care for those in need. Today, we are proud to continue that
tradition of guarding what matters most to our members — their families and their faith. Income replacement through life insurance can be one part of that protection. As your financial circumstances and family needs change over time, I’m here to help you consider whether your coverage continues to align with your goals and priorities. That’s why every year, we ask for an update on any big life changes — such as whether you’ve bought a home, had a baby or retired. This annual Financial Protection Survey gives my team important insight into your evolving financial needs so we can provide the personalized, faith-based service you deserve. It also helps us know how well we’re fulfilling the Knights of Columbus mission in our roles as licensed professionals. Complete your survey online at https:// survey.kofc.org That mission is straightforward and hasn’t changed for more than 140
years: to help Catholic men grow in faith, serve others and financially protect their families.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful response. I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your family. 1 LIMRA & Life Happens, 2025 Insurance Barometer Study
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Jim Maslach Chapter President kofcjkm@gmail.com 440-785-9838
Tom Donovan Chapter Vice President td3430@att.net 216-650-4213
Martin Steward Chapter Secretary martinasteward@gmail.com
Patrick Graham Chapter Treasurer patrick_graham60@yahoo.c om Chapter Meetings Second Friday of Month 6:30 PM CUF, 7:00 PM Rosary, 7:30 PM Meeting
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TRAINING
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OCTOBER 2026
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Fraternal Trainers provide important support for Fraternal Leaders; training can be tailored to meet the needs of both new and seasoned officers, as well as any members who are interested in advancing to officer roles in the future. Visit kofcohio.org under FOR MEMBERS to locate training for state, council, district and assembly officers, an archive of fraternal webinars, and important resources that will assist you in navigating your leadership role. Our helpful list of Suggested Training by Officer Role highlights the training sessions that are recommended for your officer position. Training is reviewed on a continuing basis, so you will always get the most up-to-date information. Best of all, these ondemand sessions are available to view at any time, on your own schedule, and the average length of each session is only 30 minutes! OFFICER TRAINING Fraternal Trainers provide important support for Fraternal Leaders. Training for State, District, Council and Assembly officers is available to view On Demand, providing the opportunity to review essential information and best practices on your schedule. OPERATIONS TRAINING Operations training provides valuable information to support council leadership in managing their time, organizing council functions, and handling financial responsibilities. A council secures its place in the parish and the community through the activity of its members, and a smoothly running council can focus more time on charitable output.
Training that focuses on three of the important aspects of leading a council: the administration of council duties; council finances; and guidance on finding and completing the forms that are necessary for reporting contact information, fraternal activity, and more. GROWTH AND RETENTION TRAINING Membership is every member’s responsibility: keeping active makes a council successful, and a successful council keeps growing. These training sessions will help with tips for recruitment strategies and membership retention, along with the steps and best practices for holding activity and church drives and conducting exemplifications. PROGRAMS AND ENGAGEMENT TRAINING Running successful programs and events involves advance planning, communication, and member engagement. Training sessions that provide tips and strategies for helping your council to plan and promote events and keep your members involved in council activities. The mission of Cor (Latin for “heart”) is to help focus Catholic men on Jesus by building Christ-centered brotherhood through a simple, flexible framework of prayer, formation and fraternity. Learn more about starting and supporting Cor in your council through these informative videos. TRAINING AUDIENCES AND REQUESTS Fraternal trainers provide officer training at state, district and council level, online and in-person. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of both new and seasoned officers, as well as any members who are interested in advancing to officer roles in the future. To quickly look up which on-demand sessions are related to your officer role, check out the Suggested Training by Office infographic.
Looking for a specialized in-person training opportunity for your jurisdiction, district, or council? Training can be requested using the Fraternal Training Request Form.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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OCTOBER 2026
DIOCESAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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DIOCESAN INFO
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OCTOBER 2026
STATE & DIOCESAN DIRECTORY State Deputy
Mike Felerski
1580 Gelhot Dr #234 mfelerski@icloud.com Fairfield, OH 45014
Immediate Past State Deputy
Support Our Seminarians
Jeff Kiliany
559 Walnut St Leetonia, OH 44431
jtktg@yahoo.com
State Secretary / DD #28
State Per Capita Inactive Councils
Jim Maslach
4927 Autumnwood Ln Brunswick, OH 44212
440-785-9838 kofcjkm@gmail.com
State Treasurer
Super Cash 2027
Chris Sarka
7239 Winterbek Ave New Albany, OH 43054
c_sarka@hotmail.com
State Advocate
Matching Funds 2026
Tony Offenberger
15200 Muskingum River Rd, Lowell, OH 45744
tonyoffenberger@gmail.com
State Warden
Measure Up 2026 & 2027
Stewart Vetter
706 Northwest St, Bellevue, betterwithvetter@hotmail.com OH 44811
Mike Incorvati
330-671-1490
mlbincorvati@gmail.com
State Life Director Growth Coordinator / DD #23
947, 3304, 14714, 15942
Teran Taggart
440-665-4078
adm5893@yahoo.com
Ohio District 1 Master
4th Degree
Chris Dodson
(330) 284-6904
cdodson4776@outlook.com
Past State Deputy (2015-17)
Robert Collins, Jr
216-410-7174
rfcollinsjr@gmail.com
Past State Deputy (2003-05)
Roland Bator
330-225-7354
rbator4591@msn.com
General Agents
Jason Staas John Spencer
800-484-0304 740-444-9632
jason.staas@kofc.org john.spencer@kofc.org
Tom Donovan
216-650-4213
TD3430@ATT.NET
Diocesan EFF Coordinator
Ty Tyjewski
440-867-4503
kofceffcleve@gmail.com
State Website Director
Tom Buehner
216-554-0722
tom.buehner@gmail.com
DD Coordinator / DD #32
789, 3541, 5506
District Deputy #19
3213, 3410, 4664, 14111
Tom Goodhart
330-773-9379
MLTRG@ATT.NET
District Deputy #20
637, 774, 3269, 4891, 7970, 8369
DeWitt Gober
440-541-3317
DD20GOBER@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #21
4731, 13984, 14416, 15901, 16373, 16376
John Brown
330-610-0308
trouter0523@gmail.com
District Deputy #22
733, 2643, 4217, 18527, 18565
Robert Walsh
216-533-1134
rewalsh731@aol.com
District Deputy #24
4168, 4847, 10792, 11464, 14769
David Heilman
380-222-4467
davidpheilman24@gmail.com
District Deputy #25
2362, 3529, 5613, 10936
Mike Rauh
330-256-3038
MIKERAUH58@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #26
3970, 14406, 15056, 15614, 16137, 16279
Ron Snyder
216-396-1200
SNYDERCRESTON@AOL.CO M
District Deputy #27
2886, 3164, 4498, 4801, 5405, 13755
Tim Daley
216-486-1298
tdaley1861@aol.com
District Deputy #30
547, 14054, 14255, 14551, 18892
Bill Christner
330-604-7189
williamchristner16@gmail.com
District Deputy #31
2803, 4130, 4893, 5106, 5559, 11831
Jerry Nowesnick
440-336-0039
nowesnick@gmail.com
District Deputy #33
310, 2726, 8320, 15023, 15737
George Metz
440-449-0081
georgegmetz@aol.com
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